England.

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i watched england against nigeria. i have to say that to be fair, we look quite good. Southgate to his credit has ditched the rooneys and we've got some decent young talent. Kane, Ali, Sterling look like a good 3 in attack and southgate has shown that he is flexible with his formations. keep expectation low and we might do o.k.

Too bad not in group H, by far the easiest. Wouldn't predict an upset v Belgium, but you never know -- despite great talent Belgium are great underperformers in the WC. Once into the elimination rounds it's too hard to guess.

The biggest worry has to be Sterling (no England Goals in 19 games according to the match commentary) and Stones in defence with his continual blunders. Otherwise good to watch and always promising a goal with excellent passing these days and quick attacking football especially on the counter attack.
Sterling is fast, good in the middle with the other players but fails every time in front of goal and why Stones has to stop and hold the ball before passing it as the opposing player is almost on him is unbelievable and basically stupid. Last 16 out of the group and maybe last 8 but will have to be lucky to progress any further.

I'd like to think England can make the final 4. The trouble is that the path to the final four leads through (probably) Brazil and Germany. So if they do get that far, there's no reason they can't win it all. But let's see how they look against a team in Group H first.

Does anyone actually want England to NOT win? Seeing HK lift the trophy and then having the Spuds bang on about it for the next 60yrs!! Not for me. I'm unsure how I'll react to watching the England games tbh. Having given up on friendlies many years ago and been awestruck at the complete ineptitude of multiple managers and teams in tournaments since my blood pressure has barely raised a beat when watching "competitive" games. So if England do well will I cheer or just wait for the expected failure to kick in as usual and not be disappointed.

I have always been a patriotic Englishman and have always cheered on England though I must admit that passion for the team has dwindled over the years!!

Being a West Ham supporter and an England supporter has certainly provided me with a few ups but plenty of downs over the years. I actually think Southgate has done a decent job since taking over the National team but no one has any great expectations of England in this tournament.

One thing I have noticed is that there seems a terrific team spirit amongst the squad and sometimes that can take you further in tournaments that individual players of brilliance.

One thing is for certain is that our divided country could certainly do with a lift at the moment so I am hoping against hope that England have a half decent competition.

Yeah, although I haven't adopted their game with the funny shaped ball. I dunno, maybe it's trying to deal with two teams that constantly let you down that gets to me and it's time to sacrifice the England team and stay focussed 100% on WH. Of course the news on Lanzini has just ruined next season completely so I might try hibernation!

Yes I don't want them to win,for the same reasons as you all.I could not bare the late great Bobby pushed aside by by the spitting Kane and the rest of them.They would certainly rub our noses in it,and our history would get sunk,just like Upton Park,and all our memories.

It is I know,but they are always banging on about being a bigger and better club than us,always finish higher than us,and to take our legacy of winning the world cup is just too much to take,they are not having it the tossers lol!!!!!!!

I see your position sir. i think a little different though. i always see Kane, Ali etc when they play for England, not as Spurs players but England players. they aren't playing for spurs. so whatever club they come from, doesnt bother me. One wonders how long Kane and Ali will be spurs players anyway! lol.

I even texted my spud mate after the game "Good old harry Kane!!" jeez what was i thinking??but they are england players & thats as far as it goes imo...i cant stand the little shit dele ali normally,but hes ok in the 3 lions shirt for me!!lol

Under 15 Under 17 under 19 England teams all winners or runners up at major tournaments in 2017/18. Under 21 also winning and doing well at major tournaments England senior team absolute crap with past it players like Rooney in the team and pretty awful tactics with managers all trying experimental systems rather than sticking to tried and trusted ones which got them the England managers job in the first place.
Southgate is different, he plays one system which his youngsters have taken on and we actually look good. Good enough to win the World Cup this time? no imo! but just maybe in a few years this crop of youngsters will come good but not yet! I remain eternally hopeful that at last we have a manager like Ramsey way back in 1966 who will keep it simple and hope that we do well this time (last 8) and go one or two rounds better next time.

Might do ok has already risen my expectation through the roof, they'll be home in time for pre-season and you're to blame. I thought I had my expectations under control but oh no Dicks and his "ok" has ruined that for another four years. Damn your eyes sir!

Im a little bit optimistic. Saw some good stuff against Nigeria and CR. Southgate has them playing a nice brand and steady formation, never underestimate a quiet man! Oh, and sorry for also saying this, we have a blond cockney as a captain.... maybe, just maybe.... COE!!!!

Amazing technology: live football at 40,000 ft and 600 mph. I felt exhilirated. And part of that was the style of football. Many of the WC matches have been dreary. Teams have been allowed to play the ball out of the back with no pressure whatsoever. Watching England was like watching a good EPL match. I haven't seen England play with such spark since Michael Owen flipped Brazil in ... when was that exactly? Even though the match was tense; even though it looked destined to stay at 1:1 despite an intense, sustained barrage -- despite all of that England were ENTERTAINING to watch. They played with their hearts on their sleeves, the played to win, they played to impose themselves on the opposition. Portugal:Spain was a thriller. Mexico:Germany was an inspired match. But England:Tunisa has been my favourite so far. And I hate to say it, but Harry Kane is incredible.

I agree. Southgate deserves credit. early days sure but compared to the disaster of Hodgson (still waiting for explanation Roy), its no comparison. passing the ball, getting players forward - its a vast improvement. He's got rid of Rooney and Hart, shaped a new defensive back 3, and plays two up front. Whats more, the man is impeccably dressed on the touchline. Id love to see Kane and Rashford or Vardy up front instead of Sterling next time out but i think we're in good hands whatever the case.

We should have been out of sight first half if people like sterling,lingard etc didnt trip over their feet!!but positives they kept going & fair play to Kane,i like southgate as a manager as well -no dramas just gets on with it!!I would have loftus-cheek to start instead of young & either rashford or vardy in place of sterling...

The thing I didn't understand was that they had the goal difference to top the group but didn't fight to retain or re-establish it. Now they go into the match against Belgium in a dead heat: 6 pts. 8 for, 2 against. England ahead right now on fair play, so they currently top the group. I guess it doesn't matter much, as Group H looks very weak. All eyes will be on the England-Belgium match.